Metz or Lyon?

Lyon certainly would seem to check off all your boxes. Beautiful old architecture - the old town, and around Place Bellecour, are sublime. Of note, beautiful or not, the cathedral up the hill, with its four towers, looks to a lot of locals like an upside-down elephant! You’d understand it seeing it in person .

And as arguably the food capitol of France, Lyon’s the place. And strolling options abound - in the lower city, and up in the historic Croix Rousse section, overlooking it all, with photo opportunities galore. Up there, even if you don’t go inside the museum, glance over to the ancient Roman theater. One non-art museum that does relate to photography is the former home of them Lumiere brothers, who invented moving pictures. Old camera equipment and lots of samples of their films are on display. There’s also a small, atmospheric park Adjacent to it - perfect for a stroll or a sit.

I have not been to Metz, but you definitely cannot go wrong with a couple days in Lyon. It certainly has everything you’re looking for. The old town is really cool and fun to explore, and there are wonderful buildings and squares throughout the city. It’s like the more French, non-metropolis Paris or something. The food scene is arguably tops in the country, and not just for haute cuisine. Dining is the Lyonnaise pastime. Just strolling the “restaurant row” looking at the menus was a pleasure. My time was all too brief there, very underrated city.

I prefer Metz to Lyon for charm... But it is my personal opinion. I would still recommend Lyon, as there is a LOT more to see and do, the food is far better (if you eat meat), and it's on the way to Nice. I'm not sure how to get from Metz to Nice, except by infrequent and/or indirect flights.

Thanks so much for the opinions. I am open to more, but Lyon has nosed ahead. Metz fiends need to come out in force and turn the tide...